Pens coach Mike Sullivan was in a good mood during Wednesday’s practice. Smiling seemed to be the theme of the day.

–

Sidney Crosby smiled a lot, even though he was one of the few Penguin forwards who failed to record a point against the Avalanche on Tuesday.

–

Evgeni Malkin was in good spirits, too. Looked relaxed.

–

Sullivan consulting with coach Jacque Martin. Martin is an under-appreciated part of the team.

–

Despite the happy atmosphere, Crosby is all business when it comes to honing his craft.

–

Crosby, with Jake Guentzel and fill-in linemate Bryan Rust, taking a breather.

–

Constants on the team since 2006. Not many teammates can make that claim.

–

Why shouldn’t Patric Hornqvist be smiling like a Butcher’s Dog after potting a natural hat trick Tuesday?

–

It’s only a matter of time before Malkin and Phil Kessel reunite on the same line. Kessel’s name was reportedly mentioned in potential trade talks Wednesday, somewhat surprisingly (though that didn’t stop him from having some fun).

–

More smiles from Malkin — a good sign for the Pens and a bad sign for every other team.

–

More smiles from Sid.

–

Crosby working on his one-timer with good results.

–

Goalies Casey DeSmith and Tristan Jarry handled the nets Tuesday, though Matt Murray seems primed to return in the near future.

–

Winning makes practice fun …

–

… even for Derick Brassard (who scored on a nifty tip Tuesday).

–

Pretty sure Crosby found the back of the net on this play.

–

A little razzle-dazzle from the captain at the end of practice.

—

The Pens worked on a couple interesting scoring drills Wednesday.

One drill featured a defenseman at the center of the blue line, with one goalie standing 15 feet in front of the net and the other goalie tending the twine. Crosby would make two rushes to the net, one from the left side and one from the right. Olli Maatta, who was filling Kris Letang’s (maintenance day) role, would rifle a hard pass toward Crosby, who would then deflect the puck on goal. Brassard rotated with Crosby, working on his deflections, too.

The second drill saw a coach stand about 10 feet in front of the goal and throw a one-hopper at the goalie’s pads. Crosby or Brassard would then rush the net and attempt to beat the goalie with a rebound.

—

Pittsburgh looks to improve to 5-2-1 in its last eight games with a victory against the Islanders on Thursday.